O, 1st Corinthians 13 is devoted to describing the most superior of all spiritual gifts; a "more excellent way" (1st Corinthians 12:31). Chapter 12 addressed a long list of the lesser gifts. One of them (for example) was faith. Every believer should have faith, but some have a particularly strong measure of faith. These individuals have the spiritual gift of faith. But whatever gift a Christian possesses, he or she is to use that gift for the glory of God, for the benefit of their Christian siblings, and for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this reason, there is one quality in every believer that is more important than all other qualities (1st Corinthians 13:13). All other gifts must be accompanied by this one in order to be effective.
You may recall from Mark 12:29-31 that Jesus singled out "love" as the defining trait of spirituality. In this chapter (in the KJV) this word "love" is translated "charity" - which we think of as something like giving "to a noble cause" or to the needy. That is a good place to start. If you or I love someone or something, then it is (or they are) dear to us; we cherish them (or it). You may love the helpless and the weak, therefore you give to alleviate their pain and to supply them with those things that they need or want. You may love your children, your spouse, a family member, or a friend in such a way that you are willing to sacrifice much of your time and energy in order to satisfy their desires and to accomplish their priorities. The greatest example of love is (of course) Jesus Christ. He volunteered to die for us. He loved us at a point when we neither knew of His love nor did we care. We were literally unable to even appreciate what He was doing for us. Yet, He loved. He and His Father showed their love for us on the cross (John 3:16). Love is supernatural. It is perfect. It is divine! Love, real love (biblical/spiritual love) is truly what the world needs. The love of Christ, in you and in me; this is our only hope.
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